Soundside

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Sep 16, 2024 · 22 min
Hear It Again: Author Elise Hu on her new book and K-Beauty critique, 'Flawless'
K-beauty is not a niche market. Built around dewy skin with no visible pores, big eyes, a thin body, it’s the “ideal” for pop stars, celebrities, and regular people across the world. The industry, built on Korean skincare and makeup products, is the result of “hallyu” — exporting of South Korean pop culture that the government has helped sponsor since the 1990s. In her new book, “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital,” Elise Hu describes how digital filters and a booming beauty economy have transformed the industry, societal expectations, and what’s actually achievable when it comes to that “flawless” finish. This interview originally aired on June 6th, 2023. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guest: Elise Hu: journalist, podcaster, and author of “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 16, 2024 · 4 min
Celebrating "El Grito" through the Music of Mexico
Today is Mexican Independence Day, and we’ve got a bit of a musical treat to take us out. Yesterday, Orquesta Northwest put on a concert at Town Hall Seattle, celebrating “El Grito” -- the day that father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for Mexicans to rise and fight for freedom. The concert was part of the Mexam NW Festival, which features dozens of Mexican cultural events around the Seattle area. The festival is curated by the Mexican Consulate of Seattle and runs through October 19th. Soundside producer Jason Burrows went to the Town Hall Seattle and caught the musicians and organizers as they were rehearsing for the performance. GUESTS: Paula Madrigal, Artistic Director of Orquesta Northwest Teo Benson, Executive Director of Orquesta Northwest Related Links: Orquesta Northwest Mexam NW Festival Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 12, 2024 · 21 min
Why it's so hard to find an in-network therapist
If you’ve ever tried to find a therapist who takes your insurance and failed -- you're not alone. Many in-network providers are bailing on insurance companies, and it’s affecting access to care. A new investigation from ProPublica surveyed over 500 therapists nationwide – compiling their answers in a new investigation called “Why I left the network”. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guests: Annie Waldman, a reporter at ProPublica covering health care Canh Tran, a clinical social worker & therapist in Seattle Dr. Chuck Benincasa, a psychologist working in a group practice in Everett Relevant Links: Why I Left the Network - ProPublica New Biden Administration Rules Aim to Hold Insurers Accountable for Mental Health Care Coverage - ProPublica What Mental Health Care Protections Exist in Your State? - ProPublica See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 12, 2024 · 8 min
Breaking down the Seattle Public Schools closure options
For months, parents, students, and faculty at Seattle schools have been nervously awaiting news about potential elementary closures throughout the district. Back in May, Seattle Public Schools announced it would need to close roughly 20 schools, citing a $105 million budget shortfall… Now, the wait to know FOR SURE about the fate of Seattle schools isn’t over YET, but the elementary schools on the chopping block have been identified. Wednesday, the district’s “Well Resourced Schools” website published two different proposals. One would close 17 schools. The other recommends closing 21. KUOW Education Reporter Sami West joins Soundside to break down the options at hand. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. RELATED LINK: Seattle names 21 public schools to possibly close See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 11, 2024 · 51 min
The man behind three WA initiatives says the state legislature has gone too far, will voters agree?
You won’t see Brian Heywood’s name on your ballot this November but you will see his impact. Heywood is a Redmond based hedge fund manager who spent millions of dollars of his own money to fund citizen’s initiatives against the state’s cap and invest system, capital gains tax, and long term care insurance program. His PAC, Let’s Go Washington, also gathered signatures for another initiative on your ballot about natural gas regulations. Brian Heywood joins Soundside host Libby Denkmann to discuss his attempt to rollback these policies and why he's pursuing citizen's initiatives instead of running for office. Guest: Brian Heywood, hedge fund manager and funder behind I-2117, I-2109, and I-2124 Relevant Links: Seattle Times: 6 initiatives head to WA ballot with $6M support of Brian Heywood KUOW: WA initiative supporters turn in signatures to repeal capital gains tax, carbon auctions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 10, 2024 · 8 min
Boeing machinists face decision to ratify or strike after latest union contract
To ratify, or to strike: those are the options in front of 33,000 Boeing workers this week. On Monday, machinists at Boeing sites across the West Coast woke up to news that union leadership had reached a tentative contract agreement with the company. The last contract was ratified 16 years ago -- in 2008. However, not everyone is excited about the terms of the agreement. On Thursday, those union employees will decide to take or reject the offer. If they vote it down, machinists could walk off the job later this week. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. GUEST: Lauren Rosenblatt - Seattle Times Innovation, Technology, and Workforce issues reporter Related Links: Machinists union agrees on tentative contract deal with Boeing | The Seattle Times Boeing Machinists union chief expects members will reject deal, strike | The Seattle Times UNION RECOMMENDS ACCEPTANCE - PDF of the Contract Basics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 10, 2024 · 8 min
Shopping for Nordstrom: Nordstrom family enters bid to buy back the company
Last March, it was reported that the Nordstrom family was interested in once again taking their storied retail company private. There hadn’t been much word until last week, when we finally heard a price proposal – $23 a share. Another bid by the Nordstrom family was rejected six years ago. So - why try again now? And what is the future of this iconic Seattle brand? Seattle Times business reporter Alex Halverson breaks it all down. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guests: Alex Halverson, Seattle Times business reporter Relevant Links: What’s behind Nordstrom family’s $3.8B play to take control of company - Seattle Times See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 10, 2024 · 33 min
Proponents of I-2117 make the case for dismantling WA's cap and invest system
This November, Washington voters will be asked to weigh in on complicated policies like a capital gains tax and a long-term care fund. Maybe the most complex one is the future of the Climate Commitment Act, an initiative on the November ballot seeks to repeal the key part of this 2021 law: the “cap-and-invest” system. It’s essentially an auction for major polluters where companies can purchase carbon allowances – kinda like permission slips for emitting planet-warming carbon dioxide. Over the next two days, we’ll hear from both a supporter of the initiative to repeal the cap and trade system and a defender of the Climate Commitment Act. Yesterday, we heard from a defender of the CCA: State House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon. Today, we talk to a proponent of the initiative, who wants to dismantle the state's carbon auction: Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guests: Todd Myers, Vice President of Research at the Washington Policy Center. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 10, 2024 · 26 min
I-2117 puts WA's cap and invest system on the ballot, defenders of the system make their case
This November, Washington voters will be asked to weigh in on complicated policies like a capital gains tax and a long-term care fund. Maybe the most complex one is the future of the Climate Commitment Act, an initiative on the November ballot seeks to repeal the key part of this 2021 law: the “cap-and-invest” system. It’s essentially an auction for major polluters where companies can purchase carbon allowances – kinda like permission slips for emitting planet-warming carbon dioxide. Over the next two days, we’ll hear from both a supporter of the initiative to repeal the cap and trade system and a defender of the Climate Commitment Act. Today, we hear the defender of the CCA: State House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guests: Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, State House Majority Leader, who helped create the Climate Commitment Act See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 9, 2024 · 19 min
New study examines increasing suicide rates in Asian American youth
This week (September 8th to 14th) is National Suicide Prevention Week. Deaths by suicide in young people have risen by more than 60% in recent decades. And in 2022, it was the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-14. Behind that tragic statistic is a lot of nuance, though. For example: Alaska Natives, American Indians, and White youth are more likely to take their own lives than their Asian American peers. But researchers say even that statistic masks the reality of suicide rates in Asian American young people, and that rates vary greatly by subgroup. Soundside spoke with Dr. Anthony L. Bui, lead author of a study that looked at suicide rates in Asian American youth. Dr. Bui is also an acting assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a researcher at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute. He believes that by better understanding the background of individuals at risk, we can develop culturally specific and more effective approaches to youth mental health care. Dr. Bui's study was recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics. During our conversation Dr. Bui noted the importance of reaching out to professionals like school therapists when you are concerned about the youth in your life. Soundside called up one of those school-based, child mental health specialists -- Ana Short -- to learn more about what culturally appropriate health care for young people may look like in practice. Correction notice, 2:13p.m. on Thursday, 9/12/2024: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Ana Short worked for Internal Community Health Services. This story has been amended to the correct employer: International Community Health Services. Guests: Dr. Anthony L Bui, acting assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. Ana Short, child mental health specialist with International Community Health Services. Related Links: Suicide rates differ in subgroups of young Asian Americans - UW Medicine | Newsroom More Asian young people are dying by suicide — and some subgroups are faring worse than others (nbcnews.com) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 5, 2024 · 10 min
Asahel Curtis' photography continues to surprise archivists nearly a century later
At the turn of the 20th century, Asahel Curtis was a prolific photographer who traveled throughout Washington. His work captured the state as it underwent big changes, owing to rapid industrialization. For decades, a massive collection of Asahel’s glass plate negatives has been held at the Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma. The plates, however, are aging. In the 1980s, historians and staff were able to digitize around 3,000 of his most essential photographs. That left about 58,000 to go. Now, thanks to renewed interest and funding, historians are working on preserving the rest of the Curtis images. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guests: Margaret Wetherbee, Head of Collections at the Washington State Historical Society Recommended Links: Asahel Curtis Collection - Washington State Historical Society (washingtonhistory.org) ASAHEL: The Curtis Collection | Cascade PBS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 5, 2024 · 20 min
"The importance of giving folks their flowers" - Black & Loud Fest highlights Black performers across the PNW
If someone asked you to name three Rock musicians that are Black, could you? Some people might be able to, but in general there aren’t a lot of them. This is despite the fact that the genre traces its roots back to Black blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues artists in the United States. The rock music industry and academic scholarship of the genre instead tend to focus on white voices. That’s according to research from the University of Ottawa. Cameron Lavi-Jones says that’s part of what inspired him to create the band King Youngblood, which he fronts. It’s also why, along with co-founder Anthony Briscoe, Lavi-Jones created Black & Loud Fest. The Fest celebrates Black-fronted bands - especially those in genres that don’t typically feature many Black performers. And it’s returning to Seattle for its third year: next Saturday, September 14th at the Crocodile. Guests: Cameron Lavi-Jones, frontman of King Youngblood, and co-founder of Black & Loud Fest Relevant Links: Black & Loud Fest Website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 4, 2024 · 15 min
Burien faces new challange to homelessness policy, this time on religious grounds
There’s a new wrinkle in the debate over homelessness policy in the city of Burien. Last September, Burien passed a controversial ordinance banning camping in much of the city, Meanwhile, a local church decided to step in and offer its property as a temporary encampment for the homeless. Burien requested that the church, the Oasis Home Church, get a “temporary use permit” for the encampment. They declined to do that and are now bringing another lawsuit against the city, arguing that Burien was infringing on their religious freedom to provide a place for homeless residents to stay. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guests: Anna Patrick, reporter on the Seattle Times’ Project Homelessness team Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Burien faces another homelessness lawsuit, this one about religion Seattle Times: SCOTUS homelessness decisions’ impacts in Washington could be unique Seattle Times: Burien poised to kill King County-funded shelter project See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 4, 2024 · 14 min
PFAs in Spokane's well water? Maybe recall a County Commissioner
Spokane County Commissioner Al French is facing a recall effort over his handling of disclosures of contaminated groundwater in the West Plains. The “Clean Water Accountability Coalition” is sounding the alarm about PFAS—sometimes called 'forever chemicals’—in well water. And let's not forget to mention that French is also running for re-election this year, adding another layer to the already heated debate. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guest: Nate Sanford, staff writer at Inlander Relevant Links: Inlander: Spokane County Commissioner Al French faces recall attempt over PFAS controversy Inlander: EPA, Ecology and Spokane officials urge West Plains residents to sign up for free PFAS testing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 4, 2024 · 20 min
How small acts of “dignity” can help vulnerable populations
One of the best coffee spots in Bellingham isn’t a cafe, at least according to some of the folks in the city’s unhoused population. Instead, it’s a casual coffee cart that pops-up twice a week, at a free lunch program, known as the Maple Alley Inn. While the coffee is decent, the main attraction is the person running the cart. 85 year-old Ursula DeWit is known for her easy smile and exceptional listening skills. Her kindness has made a significant impact in the lives of people she serves coffee to, including seniors, veterans and families. We’ll also hear from April Ballard who is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Health at Georgia State University about the importance of treating vulnerable populations of people with dignity. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. GUESTS: Dr. April Ballard, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health at the Georgia State University School of Public Health Ursula DeWitt, volunteer at the Maple Alley Inn in Bellingham RELATED LINKS: Background info on Maple Alley Inn Free Lunch Program Striving for dignity in homelessness research and outreach Ballard Kindness Cafe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 3, 2024 · 10 min
As light rail expands, suburbs plan for density
Riders packed trains on Friday to see four new stations on the One Line, which now stops in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood. At the 148th Street Station, Shoreline celebrated the occasions with a marching band, speeches, and bubble machines. The suburb has been planning for this moment for years, that’s apparent when you step off the train. Across I-5 from the light rail station, new apartment buildings are going up. Townhomes line a couple blocks near Meridian Avenue. There’s also road work to add larger sidewalks and traffic-calming roundabouts. The city is encouraging density and building infrastructure to support more pedestrians, and this is an effort most every city in the state is struggling with. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guest: Mayor Chris Roberts, City of Shoreline Relevant Links: KUOW: Light rail is helping Mountlake Terrace find its heart The Urbanist: South Shoreline Light Rail Brings Suburban Retrofit with Thousands of Homes Seattle Times: Lynnwood light rail is opening. Here’s what you’ll find at 4 new stations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 3, 2024 · 15 min
A look at the Seahawks before their home opener on Sunday
Being a sports fan in Washington State is akin to riding the Extreme Scream at the fair: big highs, and REAL SUDDEN LOWS. Yes, I’m looking at you, Seattle Mariners… With the Seahawks kicking off their regular season at home this weekend against the Denver Broncos, hope springs eternal! And it felt like a good time to check in on what’s been cooking at VMAC all summer. The team has a new head coach, and a new slate of players… so, what should we expect? To answer that question, we’re talking to an expert. GUEST: Michael-Shawn Dugar RELATED LINK: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/michael-shawn-dugar/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 3, 2024 · 24 min
King County Council is unanimous: keep the youth jail open
Members of the King County Council have moved to officially say the county’s youth jail should remain open. The council voted last week eight-to-zero in favor of a non-binding resolution to declare its support for keeping the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center in operation – with some improvements. The move comes just over four years after King County Executive Dow Constantine pledged to shutter the facility by 2025 It was a promise made during the summer of George Floyd racial justice protests. At the time – Constantine said his goal was “shifting public dollars away from systems that are rooted in oppression.” And he predicted that, “phasing out centralized youth detention is no longer a goal in the far distance.” But since then, the goal has been getting farther down the road. Earlier this year, the timeline for closing the jail was pushed out to 2028 at the recommendation of an advisory committee of community partners. And now, the county appears to be indefinitely delaying that push. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guests: Tascha R. Johnson, Associate Executive Director of Choose 180 - a non-profit dedicated to transforming the juvenile justice system King County Councilmember (District 9) Reagan Dunn Relevant Links: Youth jail should be improved, not closed, King County Council votes - KUOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 29, 2024 · 20 min
Why Washington is a bellwether for the presidential election
The Democratic party is riding the Good Vibes Express after its Chicago convention. And a look at polling averages gives them reason to celebrate: Since becoming the nominee, Vice President Harris has shaken up a relatively static presidential race: She’s now running slightly ahead of former President Trump nationwide. In swing states, she has pulled even in key areas of the sun belt like Georgia and North Carolina. Some analysts say you have a more concrete expression of the electorate’s mood coming from right here in Washington State. In fact, in the last several presidential and midterm elections, Washington state’s primary has developed a reputation as a reliable bellwether for the outcome of national general elections. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guest: Armin Thomas is a political analyst at Split Ticket, a nonpartisan election analysis firm Relevant Links: A Very Detailed Examination Of The Washington Primary - Split Ticket See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 29, 2024 · 9 min
WSU researchers are on a quest to digitize over 30,000 bees, butterflies and other pollinators
Washington State University's MT James Entomological Collection is the largest insect museum in the state, it holds around three million specimens. In 2022, state legislators allocated $50,000 for the collection to digitize pollinators, like bees, moths, flies, butterflies and other insects that carry pollen. Adding the 30,000 pollinators in WSU’s collection to a digital database will open up collaboration for researchers worldwide. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Guests: Elizabeth Murray, Telford Family Professor of Entomology and the director of the MT James Entomological Collection at Washington State University Relevant Links: Spokesman Review: WSU makes strides in digitalizing 3 million insect collection M.T. James Entomological Collection website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.